Wales head coach Steve Tandy admits he was blindsided by Louis Rees-Zammit\u2019s shock return to rugby \u2013 and isn\u2019t ruling out throwing him straight back into Test action this autumn.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old flyer is currently on the hunt for a new club after calling time on his NFL dream in the United States.<\/p>\n
With 32 caps already under his belt, Rees-Zammit is eligible for Wales no matter where he signs next, thanks to the WRU\u2019s selection policy.<\/p>\n
Tandy, who worked closely with him during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, believes the speedster can hit the ground running \u2013 and could be in the frame for the November Tests against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think you wouldn\u2019t rule anything out. Zammo [Rees-Zammit] brings a big effect and excitement by coming back,\u201d said Tandy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s great for the game. He\u2019s gone away to experience something new, which is class, and I\u2019m sure he will be in outstanding physical condition.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eddie Jones came calling<\/p>\n
In a surprising admission, Rees-Zammit revealed he was once told he\u2019d never play for Wales \u2013 and even received a phone call from former England boss Eddie Jones.<\/p>\n
\u201cActually, Eddie Jones rang me first to play for England,\u201d revealed Rees-Zammit on the Stick To Rugby podcast<\/a>. \u201cI think Wales found out about that and within a day I had (Wayne) Pivac call me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWas this in the Six Nations?\u201d asked Shanklin.<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d confirmed Rees-Zammit. \u201cIt was more that I wasn\u2019t actually English-qualified, but Eddie Jones was asking if I was and if I wanted to be involved, because I actually did an England camp when I was younger.\u201d<\/p>\n One year from wearing white<\/p>\n \u201cHow long have you been at Gloucester at that point?\u201d asked Dallaglio. \u201cSo it was only one more year and you would have been English-qualified?\u201d asked Dallaglio. EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n Updated 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, England get easy group<\/p>\n The tournament\u2019s structure and timing now better reflect current global rankings, thanks to a late pool draw in December this year made possible by reforms in 2022.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a breakdown of the\u00a0predicted groups\u00a0and\u00a0team bios\u00a0for the RWC 2027:<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc6\u00a0Group A<\/p>\n South Africa\u00a0\ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 Argentina\u00a0\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddf7 Samoa\u00a0\ud83c\uddfc\ud83c\uddf8 Tonga\u00a0\ud83c\uddf9\ud83c\uddf4 \ud83c\udf0d\u00a0Group B<\/p>\n New Zealand\u00a0\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddff Scotland\u00a0\ud83c\udff4 Japan\u00a0\ud83c\uddef\ud83c\uddf5 Chile\u00a0\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf1 CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo years,\u201d answered Rees-Zammit.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, it was,\u201d responded the Welshman.<\/p>\n
The reigning world champions and four-time RWC winners, the Springboks bring a powerhouse blend of physicality, tactical brilliance, and iconic leadership.<\/p>\n
Los Pumas continue to rise as a Tier 1 nation, combining flair and fearlessness. Semifinalists in 2007 and 2015, they\u2019re known for big-game upsets.<\/p>\n
With deep roots in rugby tradition, Samoa\u2019s raw physicality and natural flair make them one of the most dangerous Tier 2 teams in the game.<\/p>\n
The \u2018Ikale Tahi\u2019 bring bone-crunching tackles and island pride. With several stars playing abroad, Tonga is always capable of springing a surprise.<\/p>\n
The legendary All Blacks need no introduction\u2014three-time world champions with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a legacy of innovation.<\/p>\n
A Six Nations stalwart, Scotland blends tactical kicking and dynamic playmakers, looking to go beyond the quarterfinals for the first time since 1991.<\/p>\n
The Brave Blossoms became global darlings in 2019 with a stunning quarterfinal run. Expect lightning-quick rucks and passionate homegrown talent.<\/p>\n
One of the emerging forces from South America, Chile made its first RWC appearance in 2023. Physical, proud, and improving fast.<\/p>\n